As the most significant shopping events of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring unmatched deals, giving you the perfect opportunity to grab bargains on winter essentials, tech, and early Christmas presents. But with so many offers circulating, it’s essential to stay vigilant and informed to spot genuine discounts and avoid scams. Here’s everything you need to know about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shopping tips, the most popular items to buy, and how to steer clear of scams.
What Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday began in the United States in the 1950s, with retailers offering significant discounts the day after Thanksgiving. With the surge in online shopping in the early 2000s, Cyber Monday emerged as the online counterpart, allowing shoppers to continue finding deals on the Monday after Thanksgiving. These events have since become global shopping phenomena. In recent years, many brands have extended their discounts through the weekend, creating a full Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales marathon.
When Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024?
- Black Friday 2024: November 24
- Cyber Monday 2024: November 27
Sales usually kick off at least a week before Black Friday, with early deals leading up to it. Some stores open as early as 6 a.m. on Black Friday, while Cyber Monday deals often launch at midnight.
What Sells the Most on Black Friday?
Electronics, clothing, beauty products, and toys tend to be the top-selling items during Black Friday. As the sales coincide with the holiday season, many shoppers take advantage of deals to buy Christmas gifts, winter coats, and other seasonal necessities.
Boxing Day and January Sales 2024
For those who miss Black Friday, more deals arrive shortly after Christmas. Boxing Day on December 26, once the UK’s biggest discounting day, along with January sales, offers another chance to save on various items, particularly spring and summer products.
Black Friday Shopping Tips: How to Get the Best Deals
- Follow Brands on Social Media
Retailers often promote deals on social media and through email newsletters. By following your favorite brands and signing up for emails, you’ll be among the first to know about exclusive early-bird discounts. - Research Prices
Use price comparison sites and monitor prices to verify the authenticity of discounts. Sites like Alertr, PriceSpy, and CamelCamelCamel track product prices year-round. - Set Up Accounts in Advance
Expect high online traffic. To save time, set up accounts on your favorite shopping sites before the sales start and enter your payment information in advance. - Use a Wishlist
Prepare a wishlist of items you plan to buy. This will allow you to quickly add them to your cart after discounts go live. - Consider Using a Credit Card
Credit cards offer added protection, especially for purchases between £100 and £30,000. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act holds your card provider jointly liable, giving you a safety net if anything goes wrong. - Shop Through Cashback Websites
Cashback sites like TopCashback and Quidco allow you to earn a percentage of your purchase amount. Look for stores that offer cashback before checking out. - Look for Discount Codes
Websites like Vouchercodes and MyVoucherCodes offer discount codes to help you save extra. Always check for a code before completing your order. - Request Gift Receipts
If you’re shopping for presents, a gift receipt allows the recipient to exchange items without seeing the price.
How to Spot a Genuine Deal
With inflated discounts standard during Black Friday, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the price history on price-tracking websites to confirm the discount’s authenticity.
- Compare prices across multiple retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
The Black Friday Scams to Avoid
Black Friday’s fast pace can make shoppers more vulnerable to scams. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Purchase Scams
Fake sellers advertise items that never arrive. Stick to trusted retailers and avoid buying from unfamiliar sellers on social media or classified sites. - Phishing Scams
Scammers send fake emails or texts claiming a delivery problem. Verify the sender’s email address before clicking on any links. - Duplicate Shopping Websites
Some scammers create lookalike websites to steal personal information. Always check the website URL to make sure it’s legitimate. - Fake Delivery Notifications
Be cautious if you receive a message about a delivery issue. These scams often involve a fake link that requests payment information. - Misleading Promotions
Some deals may exaggerate discounts. Use a price tracker to see if the “deal” is worth it.
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Final Thoughts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday with a strategy. Research prices, make a wishlist, and consider cashback options and payment protections. With these tips, you’ll be ready to make the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and score genuine savings on the needed items.
